Finding the right health service for you and your family
Self Care:
- The best choice for minor illnesses
- Try the online symptom checker: www.nhs.uk/symptomchecker
- Keep a well stocked medicine cabinet, guidance can be found at: www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Pharmacy/Pages/Yourmedicinecabinet.aspx
- www.patient.co.uk is an online resource loaded with tips and advice on the different self care options and how to go about treating your minor ailments: www.patient.co.uk
- www.selfcareforum.org contains downloadable leaflets and information on a huge range of minor ailments: www.selfcareforum.org
Download this leaflet for more information: Choosing Well Leaflet
NHS 111:
- For urgent medical needs that ARE NOT life threatening
- They offer advice on treatments for various injuries, allergies, general health, bleeding, dental issues, head and neck injuries and sexual health
- They can refer you to the nearest health service
Pharmacists:
- Talk in confidence, without appointments
- Offer advice on minor ailments such as coughs and colds, earache, skin rashes and sore throats
- They can provide services such as Chlamydia testing, emergency contraception and stop smoking services
GP:
- When illnesses aren’t responding to self care or advice from your pharmacists call your GP surgery
- Visit when you are suffering from a persistent illness
- When you have a ‘flare-up’ of a long standing illness
- When you are in need of any vaccinations
Minor Injury Unit / Walk-In:
- No appointments needed
- Can treat a variety of injuries such as sprains, strains, minor cuts and fractures
- Minor injury units cannot treat problems such as chest pains, breathing difficulties, pregnancy problems and allergic reactions
A&E/999:
- For emergencies that are critical or life threatening such as loss of consciousness/persistent severe chest pain/acute confused state and fits that are not stopping or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Visit A&E or call the 999 ambulance service